Removing the Chaos Around Technology within Senior Living

In the ever-evolving world of senior living, technology is often hailed as the panacea for the myriad challenges we face—regulations, tight budgets, and, most critically, staffing shortages. However, technology can sometimes add to the chaos rather than alleviate it. Today, let's explore how we can navigate this chaos and harness technology to truly benefit our communities. But before we go there, I want to share how I got myself into this beautiful mess we call Senior Living.

My journey into this market began in the early 1990s, thanks to my father, a pioneering architect in the field of senior living. He was instrumental in developing early prototypes for what we now recognize as assisted living. His firm led some of the initial design concepts for Presbyterian Homes and Walker Methodist, among others.

My "calling" to this market came in the form of an actual call from my dad while I was enjoying my sixth year at the University of Minnesota. He called to tell me it was time to get a job.

With limited employment opportunities in my field of Early European Medieval History, I started working at Elder Homestead, a brand-new 28-unit senior housing project in Minnetonka.

In addition to landscaping, moving furniture, and painting, I was fortunate enough to participate in building tours. These tours included local politicians, prospective families, new residents, and notably, nursing home providers, all eager to learn about this new housing model.

I remember some of the comments during these tours:

• "You can’t have a staircase in the middle of the building; people will never use it, and if they do, they might fall."
• "Why would you carpet the floors?"
• "Nobody will use the kitchens and showers in the residents’ rooms."
• "Where is the nurse station, and why is it so quiet here?"

My dad would just smile and ask if they had stairs in their houses, kitchens, showers, and private living spaces. I realized something special was happening here—something wonderful.

I was hooked and began supporting this emerging venture. Within a year, I started my own independent rep company specializing in technology for senior communities. It was 1993, and yes, I am now 35 years old.

Now, on to our current challenges: regulations, tight budgets, and—most critically—staffing shortages. What can we do about it?

Identifying the Sources of Chaos

To address the chaos technology can introduce, we must first identify its sources. In senior living, three primary causes emerge: limited understanding, tech fogginess, and staffing challenges.

1. Limited Understanding: Technology can overwhelm operators with its complexity. Many have only a surface-level understanding of the tools they use, not due to apathy, but because they are preoccupied with immediate operational demands. For instance, voice-controlled lighting can enhance resident safety, but without a deep understanding, it can become a liability during outages.
2. Tech Fogginess: Unclear outcomes from technology lead to skepticism and inaction. Wander management systems, designed to ensure resident safety, often raise questions about integration and accuracy. Without clear answers, these tools fail to reach their potential.
3. Staffing Challenges: Staffing shortages are a significant hurdle. While robotic delivery systems can alleviate staff burdens, their effectiveness hinges on proper understanding and use. Without this, they can add stress rather than reduce it.

Strategies to Settle the Chaos

Chaos doesn't resolve itself; it requires strategic intervention. Here are three ways to make technology work for us:

1. Move Technology Planning Upstream: Technology should be integrated early in the planning process, not as an afterthought. This ensures it aligns with operational goals and delivers value without adding chaos.
2. Gain a Broader Understanding: Every senior living team needs a tech "guru" to optimize technology use. This role ensures tools like automated pill dispensers are well-maintained and fully utilized.
3. Simplify Technology: Steve Jobs said it decades ago and it rings just as true today: The best technology is simple and intuitive. By prioritizing simplicity, we can shift from reactive to proactive care, enhancing the resident experience.

Thinking Differently for Success

Solving chaos isn't just about tools—it's about mindset. Here’s how we can think differently:

1. Fold Technology into Strategic Planning: Make technology a core part of the conversation from day one.
2. Invite Simplifiers: Partner with external tech integrators who specialize in simplifying solutions.
3. Think Creatively: Embrace innovation and challenge outdated ideas about investing and operating.

Conclusion

Chaos won't fade on its own. We can't buy or ignore our way out, but we can think our way out. By aligning technology with strategy, simplifying solutions, and building sustainable partnerships, we can remove the chaos and focus on what truly matters—caring for those who need us.

Forever grateful to be in the senior living space,

Mike Elness